Erica Ewen looked the part of Washington County Fair Queen during Monday’s pageant.
She sparkled in whatever dress she wore and didn’t miss a beat when asked the question that was presented to all the contestants.
“Name something you do for fun, that’s free?”

Ewen said it was an easy question. She said she reads whenever she gets the chance.
She added that if asked, her friends would say the same thing about her.
As for winning the pageant, she said it means a lot to her.
“I’m so fortunate to be Miss Wash County,” she said. “Ever since I was an escort it’s obviously been a goal, especially being a 10 year 4-h member and having been active in the community all my life.”
Ewen is the daughter of Todd and Jana Ewen.
Her sponsor was VisionFirst, Dr. Renee Compton and Dr. Jack Hedrick.
Her escourts were Cally Karmire and Morgan Humphrey.
Ewen said as she stood there waiting for the host to announce the winner she was just focusing on one thing.
“Before the Queen was announced, I was just trying to remember for sure what contestant number I was so I would know whether it was a no or a go!” she said. “After that, I just tried to walk to center stage calmly because I was pretty eager to get the crown on!
Ewen said a lot of things factored into the win.
“I’m really blessed to have a great family that supports me and great friends as well,” she said.
The queen’s crown is sponsored by the National Chapter of Psi Iota XI, Iota Omicron, Campbellsburg and is passed down from year-to-year.
The queen is awarded two $500 scholarships, one from the fair board and one from First Savings Bank.
There is a $500 cash prize from First Harrison Bank for the first runner-up.
The second and third runners-up receive $150 each. One from St. Vincent/Salem Hospital and the other from Salem Crossing.
The queen also receives six $100 scholarships, which are provided by Mid-Southern Savings Bank, Salem Lions Club, Canton Lions Club, Campbellsburg Lions Club, Exchange Club of Salem and the Salem Rotary Club.
Additionally for winning, Ewen will receive a small crown to keep, which is provided by the Washington County Fair Queen Committee, a trophy provided by Allen Law Office; a half dozen roses by CZ Designs, LaGene Jewelers donates a Fossil watch, a free photo setting by Dowling Family Photos, an ankle bracelet by Bud’s Jewelry and dinners from Mamma Rosa’s and El Maguey.